New role to boost intellectual disability care

Louise Cowles, Occupational Therapist with NBMLHD since 2008, has stepped into the role bringing not only insight and perspective, but a passion for raising awareness on how people with intellectual disability communicate.

“In my years as an Occupational Therapist at NBMLHD, I’ve learnt to understand that when health staff see problem behaviours, it’s often the best or even the only way that a patient can communicate their needs,” says Louise.

“It’s our job as health professionals to make the effort to understand what the patient needs us to know.”

Our Specialist Intellectual Disability Clinicians can provide advice and referrals for patients and their care team. They also support staff to build their skills and knowledge to respond to the care needs of people with intellectual disability.

Louise is looking to make a significant impact on the experiences and outcomes for people with intellectual disability within NBMLHD through an enhanced focus on specialised support.

“Health statistics inform us that people with intellectual disability face poorer health outcomes and more barriers to health care than other people in NSW. I hope to work with our staff to break down some of the barriers to equitable access.”

“One of my priorities is collaborating with staff to create resources which will enable people with intellectual disabilities to understand and take control over their health needs,” says Louise.

The Specialist Intellectual Disability Clinicians are part of the Intellectual Disability Health Service with South Eastern Sydney LHD and Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD. Louise joins Linda Mortimer to provide specialised intellectual disability care.

To find out more about our ongoing commitment to making our services and facilities the best they can be to meet the needs of people with disability, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nbmlhd/patients-carers-visitors/disability or read our Disability Inclusion Action Plan (PDF 14.99MB).